What do you do while exercising?

Appleness

At the moment I listen to music on my phone while using the equipment at the gym.
Is there anything in particular you find helps pass the time quicker and stops you from feeling bored?
Particular album that's motivating? Or a podcast? read a book? watch a show or movie? or something else?
I need some new material!

RonneyKay

Right now my exercise is hiking, so I just take in nature:) its rather relaxing... almost meditating.

shovav91

I love Super Mash Bros, all of their music is free on their website It really pumps me up!

lifeismoto

I am consistently reminding myself why I am doing all this : )

Missyrth

i only walk on the treadmill at home.. but I watch movies. I get so into them that time passes right by..:)

mortuseon

Generally I'm listening to my iPod (the music in the gym is rubbish, and I find that heavy rock music helps me to keep a good running pace) and fantasising about various things...:') as the workout gets more intense I find myself pushing for more and more goals and I can't focus on anything else any more, though.

alz6690

I always find that once I've set the time I want to workout for, covering the timer up really helps! But other than that I find that if I get music that I love or that reminds me of stuff I've done or family/bf. I end up thinking about that rather than my workout. For example, last year I went to Afric to work with children out there, we taught them all "I just cant wait to be king" from the lion king! LOL! Great memories. Hope that you find some music that works for you too!

Savemyshannon

I listen to music or I tune into the TVs at the gym. This may sound a little masochistic, but a lot of the times I tune into the Food Network while exercising! I thought it would just be tortuous or make me hungry, but it was sort of like looking at a dirty magazine in a way, haha!

I can look, but no touch! When I leave the gym, I feel like I've had my 'cheat' of delicious food without eating any of it, and it makes my hour on the treadmill fly by!

Gunff

I watch ESPN or ESPN2, Check my fantasy football leagues, or I'm on my phone reading MFP Blogs, or news, sometimes even read books while on the elliptical.

RAFValentina

If I'm exercising hard enough I haven't time to focus on anything than the run and pushing myself...same on the bike... I like calculating my current speed etc in my head.... I also watch and listen to all the music videos on the telly screens and sing a long (breathily!)

cbu23

I listen to my MP3 player if I'm running outside, but when I go to my gym I normally watch the tv connected to the treadmill.

laneybird

If an Elliptical or Treadmill is available that has a TV I get on it... if it doesn't I listen to music on my phone. On some days when I'm not limited for time, I put the towel over my timer and go until I can hardly go any longer!

ratherbeskiing

Ipod while running and skiing. If I hike I go with friends so I talk with them :bigsmile:

ksmarathon2010

To make myself do the elliptical longer I only read my nook when I am on it. The book I am reading is good and makes it easy to pass the time and I keep going longer.

brookepenni

I found a sport that doesnt rely on time or distance. Orienteering! You have to collect the markers - and thats all I think about, the time flies - I dont worry about how much distance Ive covered or how much longer there is to go. I run, but in our area there are lots of walkers too. Google it if it sparks your interest - there might be one in your area.

TawniRenee

If I am alone I will read my nook. The cover I got with it makes it not slide around. If my girlfriends are with me I alternate between talking to them, listening to them and thinking about why I am doing this... and imagining myself healthy and happy by the pool next summer! (the elliptical at my apartment gym faces the pool):bigsmile:

amaryllis88

I usually bring a magazine with me, preferably one with lots of articles, tidbits, and things to read, like Star, and First. I'm looking to get an android phone for christmas so I can listen to music, that would probably be helpful, but what I love listening to when I exercise is comedy, mainly either Jeff Foxworthy, or George Carlin. Just listening to them passes the time along for me, and keeps me in a good mood while working out.

igora_soma

I run outside so I tend to people watch (not in the creepy way) or else I try to make a mental check list of things I need to do. I also have to try REALLY hard not to sing out loud to my music

Appleness

thanks all! some great ideas out there.
Sometimes they have alright shows on the tvs in front of the cardio area that I might tune in to, but lately its just football and midday movies. I love midday movies but with only half hour to workout (as I go in my lunch break) I'd miss most of the movie lol.
Think I might get some more music on my phone, maybe a couple of episodes of a tv show too.

bert16

I'm a runner, so when I'm on an easy/recovery run, I listen to podcasts; either NPR's Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me or Adam Carolla (how's that for a combo?!?). If I'm on a "test" or "tempo" run, or if I'm running a race, I've got a 180 beat per minute playlist I downloaded to keep my turnover up.

dad106

I do music(like club type music) that has a fast beat and keeps you moving. If I'm on a treadmill, I always turn on TLC.. and watch whatever is on there.

For weightlifting, it's pure music.. and I get lost in trying to push myself harder and lift heavier.

lil_pulp

I subscribe to a few free podcasts. My favorites are This American Life and The Moth. I am only "allowed" to listen to them while working out. Also, audiobooks are always good and it's the same deal--I can't listen if I'm not exercising. (But if I'm doing intervals, I listen to music.)

lml1042

I either listen to music or watch biggest loser on netflix (nothing get's my butt moving more than Jillian screaming)

timingsands

I get my cardio on a stationary bike so I alternate between TV shows, movies, listening to music (usually fast songs), games like Angry Birds or Magic Piano or Tetris, and a book. Today I read the second Boxcar Children book because I knew it would take me less than hour to read. I had to start reading a catalog because I finished it too quickly and I wanted to get a full hour in!

SweetestHoney

I go to some classes at the gym that a really enjoy and don't want to miss. Also I look up the TV guide on my phone to find out what's coming on the TV at my gym and workout for an entire show or two without even thinking about how long it has been. When the weather is nice I love to walk my dog in a really big park in my town. I can walk for 2 hours and time really flies.

aliciar3

My treadmill is pointed at the TV so I normally watch that while I'm running. If it's a rest day and I'm just going for a bit of a walk on the treadmill I have been known to play XBox at the same time... haha I'm a bit of a nerd

SassyCalyGirl

If I am doing circuit training I sweat my butt off! (and try to sing to the tunes playing....if I am on the treadmill I watch Law & Order SVU.

Troll

i sweat and huff and puff while working out. Dont have a chance to do much else

AZTrailRunner

no music, no TV, just focus on what I'm doing - form, intensity, balance, terrain (if I'm running). I find those things not only make my workout more beneficial, but also alleviate the boredom.

alikat5544

Pandora Radio. I typically listen to the KESHA station and then Adele for my cool down. Love me some Adele!

calliope_music

usually listen to music. if i try to read i tend to fall off machines.